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You make the Bucs' pick: defensive line

AP file photo

Raji has the bulk that defensive coordinator Jim Bates wants in his tackles but is unlikely to slip to 19.

By ROY CUMMINGS | The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 21, 2009

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How should the Bucs address their DL needs with their first-round draft pick?

Which DL would you draft in the first round?

Nowhere, it seems, are the Bucs more in need of upgrades than along the defensive front. They appear to be thin at end, where the only returning starter is underachieving Gaines Adams, and tackle, where part-timer Ryan Sims and undersized Chris Hovan are projected starters.

The good news is this draft is chock full of defensive line talent, particularly at the end spot. The bad news is the players that appear to be the best fit for new coordinator Jim Bates' scheme could be gone by the time the Bucs first pick comes along.

Dream pick

DT B.J. Raji, Boston College (6-2, 334)
Raji has the bulk that Bucs' defensive coordinator Jim Bates wants in his tackles and the speed necessary to get to the quarterback and make plays in the backfield. An unsourced report of a positive test for marijuana likely will not impact his position in the first round.

Available at No. 19

DT Peria Jerry, Mississippi (6-2, 299)
Jerry is the closest thing this draft has to Warren Sapp. He had a career-high seven sacks last season, and led the SEC and was second in the nation among defensive tackles with 18 tackles for loss.

LB/DE Larry English, Northern Illinois (6-2, 255)
The MAC Defensive Player of the Year, English was an outside linebacker in college, but can also play rush end.

DE/DT Tyson Jackson, Louisiana State (6-4, 296)
Jackson could fill the need at LDE. He had 4.5 sacks and 10.5 tackles for loss last season.

Hidden gem

DE Lawrence Sidbury, Richmond (6-3, 266)
Sidbury has the build of an elite-level pass rusher, but his raw skill needs refining. At the very least he could prove to be a situational pass rusher. He's worth a flyer in the sixth or seventh rounds.

On the roster

Player Ht. Wt. Age NFL Exp.
DE Gaines Adams 6-5 260 25 2 seasons
DE Louis Holmes 6-4 275 24 none
DE Greg Peterson 6-5 286 25 2 seasons
DE Stylez G. White 6-3 268 29 2 seasons
DE Jimmy Wilkerson 6-2 270 28 6 seasons
DT Dre Moore 6-4 305 23 none
DT Chris Bradwell 6-4 280 25 none
DT Chris Hovan 6-2 296 30 9 seasons
DT Ryan Sims 6-4 315 28 7 seasons

Remaining free agents

Player Ht. Wt. Age 2008 team
DE/DT Kevin Carter 6-6 305 35 Bucs
DE Jason Taylor 6-6 244 34 Redskins
DE Josh Thomas 6-5 271 27 Colts

Bucs history

The Bucs have spent more first-round picks (eight) on defensive linemen than on any other position. For the most part, they've hit on the picks. When they've missed, though, they've missed badly. Such was the case in 1993, when they used the sixth overall pick on Alabama DE Eric Curry.

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