Knowing that our recent draft picks at wide receiver have been piss poor (Clayton, DJax, Stovall), I'm looking at the 2009 Free Agent pool for who the Bucs need to pick up in the offseason. JScott's post on Michael Clayton got me motivated to comment on Scouts.com's list of top RFA and UFA WRs.
We can start by noticing that Michael Clayton is not on this list. Cowboys 4th and 5th string WRs (Sam Hurd and Miles Austin) made the list, further clarifying my viewpoint that Clayton has outstayed his welcome in Tampa.
One obvious UFA that I expect to be signed any day now is Antonio Bryant. Great talent and has proven that he wants to be a Buccaneer. I know the Bucs have the money get Housh, but I just don't see it happening. Bryant and Housh would make an excellent pass game for any QB, young or old.
Out of the remaining 3 stars on the list, I think we should pass. Their price tags will not equal their abilities and we got plenty of those on our sideline already.
Out of the 2 star fellows, there are plenty of names that peak my interest. Nate Washington, Devery Henderson, Lance Moore, Miles Austin. Any of these guys could play a #2/#3 receiver role and would add a great deal to our receiving group. Also,
- Lance Moore - 79 rec, 928 yds, 10 TDs - Stats speak for themselves. #1 in yards on best offense in league. Could compete with Bryant for #1 spot.
- Devery Henderson - 32 rec, 793 yds, 3 TDs - Beat out Colston in yards with 15 less receptions.
- Nate Washington - 40 rec, 631 yds, 3 TDs - Great hands, still made over 600 yds with Hines Ward and Santanio Holmes running routes next to him. Price might get high with a Super Bowl ring.
- Miles Austin - 13 rec, 278 yds, 3 TDs - Made it count when he could get Romo to actually throw him the ball...cough...TO...Witten...Roy Williams...Crayton...Barber...Bennett...my throat is getting dry.
Let me know who you think should be a WR on the Bucs depth chart in 2009.
Poll
Which 3/5 star free agent receiver would give the Bucs the most value (cost vs. production) in 2009?
T.J. Houshmandzadeh (55 votes)
Amani Toomer (1 vote)
Bryant Johnson (4 votes)
Bobby Engram (2 votes)
Don't try to get any of those guys. Let's go for one of the 2 star receivers. (11 votes)
Screw them all! The only one on the list worthy enough to wear Pewter is Antonio Bryant. (16 votes)
I live with my head in the sand and think we should run the ball 100% of the time! (3 votes)
92 total votes



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