Detours: a country in search of direction
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Friday Night Rewind It doesn't matter which team you cheer for. We've got video previews of every high school football program in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco and Hernando County.
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The role of former Gator Lito Sheppard, above, became murkier with the Eagles’ signing of Asante Samuel.
There's a chance the Bucs might not need to address cornerback in this weekend's draft after all.
Tampa Bay has had preliminary conversations about trading for Eagles Pro Bowl cornerback Lito Sheppard. And talks could heat up as the weekend nears and Philadelphia pushes to get extra picks.
Sheppard, named to the Pro Bowl in 2004 and 2006, long has been rumored to be on the trading block with the Eagles' acquisition of Asante Samuel in free agency leaving him in a tenuous position.
The 27-year-old former Gator has been injury-prone, missing six games in 2005, four in 2006 and five last season.
But he would address a need for the Bucs, who are relying heavily on 33-year-old Ronde Barber, Phillip Buchanon and Eugene Wilson — the latter being converted from safety.
Though Sheppard was in Tampa this week, it was for nonfootball reasons.
It remains unclear what the Eagles would expect in return for Sheppard, though it could take a second-round pick to get the player with 17 career interceptions.
The Bucs appear to have competition for Sheppard. But should they land him, it would likely eliminate cornerback from consideration in Saturday's first round.
Also Thursday, Bucs defensive line coach Larry Coyer attended a last-minute workout by Clemson defensive end Phillip Merling in Clemson, S.C. Merling had been unable to work out extensively until recently because of hernia surgery.
[Last modified: Apr 27, 2008 10:44 AM]
Comments on this article
by Jeff
Apr 27, 2008 10:44 AM
We desperatly need a reciever with our #2, but a player and a #3 would be a steal for a young, proven CB.
by jester
Apr 27, 2008 6:45 AM
a second round choice is just a chance to get a player of L.S. quality iwouldnt sell the farm but he would make the DBs much deeper ,also make the d line look much better,the injuries will go away in tampa its rough to play in the cold and not get hu
by jim
Apr 25, 2008 4:52 PM
We had an injury proned DB and he wore #25. The draft is DEEP in DB. Why r we even looking at this guy? Our needs for a change are deep in the draft @ DB,WR. We only have 5 picks. DON'T WASTE OUR PICKS.
by Allanisdumb
Apr 25, 2008 4:45 PM
Why would the Bucs want a two-time pro bowl corner for a second round draft pick? I don't know I guess because he is a "medical liability." Alan you need to see a doctor about your brain, it too is a liability.
by Alex
Apr 25, 2008 4:43 PM
Tim is right. you take that risk normally for a 2nd round pick. Lito would contribute immediately. However, it is believed he is seeking a new contract and that may cause the buxcs to go another way.
by Alan
Apr 25, 2008 12:55 PM
Huge mistake if Bucs trade for Sheppard. He is a "medical" liabilty & the Eagles want to dump him. Every team in NFL must have a good laugh when B Allen calls. Allen is the worst GM/Negotiator in history of NFL. Gruden wants off playe
by Tim
Apr 25, 2008 12:51 PM
It's unlikely that Jenkins falls to the 20 spot, so maybe trading a second round pick and a player for Sheppard makes sense. He's still young and can make a huge impact for our secondary. He's a proven winner...
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