Fanball's Rick Hawes Will Be Here To Chat At 2 p.m. EST
Posted: Wed Aug 04, 2010 8:57 am
Originally posted by KJ Duke:
Bucs skill players get no respect (ok, maybe Winslow). Ironically, they seem like the Pittsburgh Pirates of football. Could any RB or WR emerge as a solid #2 at their position, or do early drafters have guys properly pegged. I think the main problem with the Buccaneers is they are a rebuilding franchise with youth at key positions.
I do like Josh Freeman and feel he can develop into a franchise-type quarterback. As a matter of fact, running back Derrick Ward had this to say about Freeman recently:
"The kid is light years ahead of any quarterback I've seen going into his second year," said Derrick Ward. "I was telling him the other day that I got drafted with Eli Manning and was there when Eli was going from his first year to his second year, and he is light years ahead of Eli. Eli has won a Super Bowl and been to the Pro Bowl. [Freeman] is doing great. I don't want to get his head too big, but he is very grounded for a franchise quarterback."
I think Cadillac Williams or Derrick Ward could emerge as a No.3 running back this year, if one of them gets hurt and the other can stay healthy. Caddy is already dealing with a sprained ankle, and we don't need to rehash his past history with durability. Also, this appears to be a situation where the back with the hot hand will get most of the touches from week to week, making it one I'm personally avoiding unless it turns into a situation of extreme value.
Of the receiver corps, I really like rookie Mike Williams if he can just keep his head on straight and play football. Early indications out of Bucs' camp is that he's outplaying Arrelious Benn, and could be in line to be the No. 1 receiver in Tampa Bay this year. At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Williams combines excellent size with 4.5 speed and good athleticism. He also displayed a nose for the end zone in college with 20 touchdowns in 29 career games.
[ August 04, 2010, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Rick Hawes ]
Bucs skill players get no respect (ok, maybe Winslow). Ironically, they seem like the Pittsburgh Pirates of football. Could any RB or WR emerge as a solid #2 at their position, or do early drafters have guys properly pegged. I think the main problem with the Buccaneers is they are a rebuilding franchise with youth at key positions.
I do like Josh Freeman and feel he can develop into a franchise-type quarterback. As a matter of fact, running back Derrick Ward had this to say about Freeman recently:
"The kid is light years ahead of any quarterback I've seen going into his second year," said Derrick Ward. "I was telling him the other day that I got drafted with Eli Manning and was there when Eli was going from his first year to his second year, and he is light years ahead of Eli. Eli has won a Super Bowl and been to the Pro Bowl. [Freeman] is doing great. I don't want to get his head too big, but he is very grounded for a franchise quarterback."
I think Cadillac Williams or Derrick Ward could emerge as a No.3 running back this year, if one of them gets hurt and the other can stay healthy. Caddy is already dealing with a sprained ankle, and we don't need to rehash his past history with durability. Also, this appears to be a situation where the back with the hot hand will get most of the touches from week to week, making it one I'm personally avoiding unless it turns into a situation of extreme value.
Of the receiver corps, I really like rookie Mike Williams if he can just keep his head on straight and play football. Early indications out of Bucs' camp is that he's outplaying Arrelious Benn, and could be in line to be the No. 1 receiver in Tampa Bay this year. At 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, Williams combines excellent size with 4.5 speed and good athleticism. He also displayed a nose for the end zone in college with 20 touchdowns in 29 career games.
[ August 04, 2010, 03:00 PM: Message edited by: Rick Hawes ]