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Bucs seek shrewd picks on Day 2 of draft

By Stephen F. Holder, Times Staff Writer
In print: Friday, April 25, 2008

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He could not have said it any plainer.

When Bucs executive vice president Joel Glazer stated in a recent interview that Tampa Bay's philosophy will be to place more emphasis on the draft than free agency, he left little room for interpretation.

"Our whole belief is building a team through the draft," he said. "Keeping those players once you've identified good players, rewarding them, adding some free agents in niche areas that fill needs and be patient and build."

The Bucs are not alone in operating this way. But for teams that do, every pick is precious — even ones that won't have everyone congregating around the watercooler Monday morning.

You'll hear a lot of buzz about the players selected by the Bucs during Saturday's first and second rounds. But don't ignore those picked later on such as, say, pick No. 120 in the fourth round or No. 154 in the fifth.

Drafting in the early rounds, where the talent is plentiful, is one thing. But determining which later-round picks have the ability to contribute is part science, part crapshoot.

"You have to make sure those (mid round) guys are players," said Mike Shanahan, Broncos executive vice president and coach. "There has to be a little bit of luck involved. At the same time, you want to make sure that the scouts are doing a great job evaluating and you're spending the time looking at the film and getting as much time as you can with those players as you can."

Said Giants general manager Jerry Reese, "We pride ourselves on that. (The second day) is where we really earn our money. It's easier to miss because those kids aren't as obvious. There's something missing in those kids. That's why they're getting drafted on the second day."

The Bucs have had mixed results beyond the early rounds. The same team that brought you flameouts Austin King, Alan Zemaitis (fourth round) and Larry Brackins (fifth) has made the occasional impressive second-day pick. Safety Jermaine Phillips, drafted in the fifth round in 2002, and Tanard Jackson, a fourth-round safety who became a starter as a rookie last season, come to mind.

But mostly, the Bucs have had little success to speak of once they get past the third round.

Take 2005. The Bucs stockpiled 12 picks that year, but just four — running back Cadillac Williams (first round), linebacker Barrett Ruud (second), tight end Alex Smith (third) and guard Dan Buenning (fourth) — have made meaningful contributions.

Of the 10 picks a year later, just three have seen extensive playing time. And that includes Bruce Gradkowski, a sixth-rounder who struggled after Chris Simms' injury forced him into the starting quarterback role as a rookie. A fourth, third-round receiver Maurice Stovall, hasn't had much chance to play but hasn't distinguished himself when he has gotten on the field.

In the past three drafts combined, the Bucs have selected 21 players beyond the third round. Nine have yet to appear in a game for the Bucs while others such as running back Ken Darby and defensive end Charles Bennett are long shots to make the 2008 roster.

The challenge: If the Bucs hope to build and sustain a successful team from within, they must rely on some of their less-heralded draft picks along the way.

That's not to suggest they have to be Pro Bowl players. The modest goal is to uncover players who have something to offer.

"What kind of player does he need to be?" Titans vice president and coach Jeff Fisher said. "Well, he needs to be a good athlete. If he's an athlete, he can develop into something and he's got a chance. Drafting by need is less of an issue as you get into the later rounds."

This time of year, the case of sixth-round pick Tom Brady is often cited as an example of what the later rounds can offer. The truth is landing a three-time Super Bowl champ and all-time great in the sixth round might be a once-in-a-lifetime fantasy.

"Everybody wants home run hitters," Reese said. "But that's really not reality. You have to get some singles and doubles. I'm not the first one to coin that, but I agree."

The Bucs haven't had many home runs late in the draft. Perhaps they'll settle for fewer strikeouts.

Stephen F. Holder can be reached at sholder@sptimes.com.