NFL draft guru Mel Kiper says the Bucs need to finally address the quarterback position in the first round.

In a conference call with reporters Wednesday, Kiper said Kansas State quarterback Josh Freeman could create a stir at the NFL combine next week. In his mock draft, Kiper has Freeman going to the Bucs with the 19th overall pick.

"I think they have to think about quarterback,'' Kiper said. "They have not been able to get that young guy. They drafted Josh Johnson out of San Diego last year. Maybe Josh Freeman from Kansas State is a quarterback that they think seriously about at this point. I think he could be the buzz of the draft in the months leading up to the April 25 draft.

"You're talking about a team that obviously has needs at wide receiver, whether Percy Harvin is in the mix. They could use a running back. Defensive end, defensive tackle, both those positions need a little help as well. At 19, the biggest thing Tampa Bay has to do is figure out who is going to be their quarterback. This may be the time to get somebody in the first round, commit to that guy moving forward. If Josh Freeman turns out to be a guy worthy of being the 19th pick, I think he would be somebody you'd have to consider.''