Bucs Have Solid Choices

The pistol-shot start to the NFL's free-agency signing period is just around the corner. Before it gets here Feb. 27, the entire league will take a detour to Indianapolis, site of the annual scouting combine.

More than 300 college players eligible for the draft will showcase their skills in hopes of impressing NFL scouts, general managers and coaches.

The combine begins Thursday, and with so many players involved it can be a little overwhelming. With that in mind, we look at five players the Bucs should be targeting with their first-round selection.

Despite suggestions from the most noted draftnik alive, ESPN's Mel Kiper, that the Bucs should use their first-round pick on Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman, we're pretty sure the Bucs don't need another young, raw quarterback.

So, when it comes to cashing in with the No. 19 overall selection in April's draft, we think the Bucs should consider one of the following players - and none of them are quarterbacks.

Peria Jerry, DT, Mississippi

Jovan Haye has given the Bucs the best under tackle play they've had since Warren Sapp, but Haye slipped a little last year, and the Bucs need a true weapon here. Jerry could be the answer. He's solid as both a run stuffer and a pass rusher. As his SEC-leading 14 tackles for a loss and 3.5 sacks in 2008 indicate, he can make plays in the backfield. Jerry has exceptional quickness off the line, and with a little work he could develop into a very disruptive three technique, something the Bucs desperately need.

Michael Johnson, DE, Georgia Tech

The Bucs eventually will need an end to replace Kevin Carter, and Johnson might be as good as any available in this draft. He is said to have freakish athleticism and speed, enough to have once been considered a top-10 pick. He has fallen in the rankings in recent weeks because he skipped the Senior Bowl, but he could shoot up the board again after working out at the combine. If not, the Bucs may be able to work a trade down to get him at a more reasonable spot. With Gaines Adams capable of playing the left and right sides, Johnson would provide flexibility and improve the pass rush.

Eben Britton, OT, Arizona

The Bucs don't seem too eager to keep Donald Penn as their long-term starter at left tackle. They also would like to have someone good enough to push Jeremy Trueblood a bit at right tackle. Britton might be the guy. He has experience starting at both tackle spots, has very good speed and mobility and is judged as an exceptional pass protector. He could still be available when the Bucs pick, or he might be a guy they can trade down to get. Scouts agree he will play regularly on Sundays in the NFL.

Brian Cushing, LB, USC

The Bucs did a brilliant thing a couple of years ago when they drafted Barrett Ruud in anticipation of the day Shelton Quarles would have to leave the lineup. It's time they do the same with regard to Derrick Brooks. Cushing has the range, speed and instincts to play either Brooks' weakside spot or Cato June's strongside spot, so he would immediately strengthen the middle of the defense. Best of all, there would be no reason to rush him into the lineup if he needs time and tutoring the way Ruud did. Cushing has a history of injuries, but he has the ability to be a top-level playmaker, even as a pass rusher.

Chris Wells, RB, Ohio State

It's not often that a team picking in the bottom half of the draft gets a chance to grab an elite running back. If the Bucs do, it would be difficult to pass on Wells. Former Buckeyes back Archie Griffin says Wells is the closest thing he has seen to Jim Brown. Wells won't prove to be that good, but he does figure to be an impact player. The only sure thing the Bucs have at running back is Earnest Graham, who tends to take a pounding. Wells can lessen the beating Graham takes and help give the Bucs the kind of smash-and-dash attack that division rivals Carolina and Atlanta have.