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Bucs Rumored To Be Interested In Sheppard

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By ROY CUMMINGS

The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 25, 2008

TAMPA - For the second time in a week Thursday the Bucs found themselves smack dab in the middle of the rumor mill's hottest byproduct.

The rumor this time had Eagles Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard visiting the Bucs in what could be a precursor to a draft-day trade. The only problem was, Sheppard's visit wasn't with the Bucs who have the authority to pull the trigger on a trade.

"I was there to see some people at the University of South Florida that I know, and while I was there I saw some of the Bucs players," Sheppard said by phone from his Philadelphia home. "I saw receiver Antonio Bryant a little bit and linebacker Matt McCoy. But I didn't meet with anybody in the front office."

That doesn't mean a trade isn't in the offing. The Bucs are in need of a cornerback and the former Gator could easily fill their need. He's an excellent cover corner, primarily in man coverage, and a good tackler, according to scouts.

On the downside, scouts say he's not very accomplished playing in zone schemes such as the Bucs' Cover 2. He also has a tendency to lose focus when defending the run, they say. In addition, he's had a hard time staying healthy the last few years, having missed 14 games over the last three seasons due to various ailments.

The Eagles, though, are not looking to move Sheppard because of his injury problems. They're looking to move him because they have no intentions of giving him a new contract, which is what Sheppard wants, and because the addition of Asante Samuel makes him somewhat expendable.

As you might expect, the price for a 27-year-old two-time Pro Bowler is steep. The Eagles are believed to be seeking a package similar to the one the Falcons got for DeAngelo Hall, who went to Oakland for a second-round pick in this year's draft and a fifth-round pick in 2009.

That may be too steep a price for the Bucs. It is believed they are willing to part with their second-round pick in this year's draft but that they are unwilling to part with a second pick, even if it comes from their full allotment of picks in 2009.

BRONCOS-JETS TRADE: Denver acquired defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson for a conditional 2009 draft pick.

49ERS: Right guard David Baas probably will be out until the regular season after tearing his right pectoral muscle.

Information from Tribune wires was used in this report.

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