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Bucs Rumored To Be Interested In Sheppard
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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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Reader Comments
Posted by ( specialtimes ) on April 25, 2008 at 3:22 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Lets get someone that fits our style of defense. A good player that will be there game in and game out. NOT one that is great but only can play half a season. We had that with Kelly for three years.
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Posted by ( ref813 ) on April 25, 2008 at 3:48 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
It would be nice to fill one of our two biggest needs, but I think we would be better off drafting McKelvin, Cromartie or Jenkins, if available. If not, then this might be a good option. We could then maybe take a QB in the 1st and hope one of the faster WR's drops to 52nd
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Posted by ( ref813 ) on April 25, 2008 at 3:54 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Wait a minute. We would probably have to give up the 52nd to get him. I guess that makes it less likely, unless it looks like we could grab a fast player at a skill position in the 3rd. Speed is our main priority on O. I'm getting a little tired of the constant nickel and diming style of offense. I know that's generally how west coast offenses work, but speed could turn those short catches into long runs. Michael Bennett and another fast back who has good hands could provide the explosiveness we need without having to grab a WR early.
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Posted by ( jnanderson61 ) on April 25, 2008 at 5:06 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Cornerback 101: Kelly was a great tackler and awesome T2 defender (but a pass interference magnet). Michael Jenkins tackles hard as well. But Cason from Arizona is the best suited T2 corner in the draft. Problem, T2 corners are vulnerable to schemes like the Eli show we saw in the playoffs. Dink passing. It may be the Bucs strategy to get the defense off the field quicker by instituting better cover corners. The Mannings, as well as a few other qbs, had way too much success with dinking our T2. I think Bucs sit tight and trade a 2009 pick on Monday if they don't find what they want. Or desperate philly takes a better trade after we select our second pick on Sat. Let's see.
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Posted by ( greg20 ) on April 25, 2008 at 7:41 p.m. ( Suggest removal )
Jon Gruden "The guy at Indiana, James Hardy is big. Every film you pick up there's another touchdown. Is he fast enough? We've got Maurice Stovall. What the hell have we got him for? You don't want to stock guys. So that's a tough call." One guys scores touchdowns and Gruden keeps Michael Clayton who has not done jack last couple of years. Suggest you trade Clayton Jon, draft Hardy and play with twin towers and draft a burner next year. Don't forget about Felix Jones RB from Arkansas.
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