The Bucs picked up a receiver after all, just a little bit later than many thought.

In second-round pick Dexter Jackson, a 5-foot-9, 182 speedster out of Appalachian State, Jon Gruden said the Bucs got an explosive playmaker, someone who could help them just as much in special teams (on both punt and kick returns) than as receiver.

Jackson may have been under the radar, but was the face of Appalachian State's upset over Michigan after he appeared on the cover of Sports Illustrated. Jackson averaged 16.8 yards per reception, including 22.9 his senior year, and gained 619 yards on 35 kickoff returns.

Gruden pointed to the Bucs needing a dynamic playmaker on the return game, and apparently, Jackson was it. Jackson's stock rose in after the Senior Bowl and the combine, when he ran a 4.37 40 yard dash.

"He's a quick strike guy," Gruden said.

-- JOE SMITH

joesmith@sptimes.com

(Pictured - Dexter Jackson, right. AP photo, 2007)