As we steamroll toward the 2012 NFL draft, we take a brief look back into the annals of Buccaneer history to provide you the best and worst of the previous Tampa Bay Buccaneers drafts. These opinions are of the article's author and not intended to represent the consensus opinion of all the staff of Buc Nation.
Previous Selection: 10. Mark Carrier
List: Top Ten Buccaneer Draft Picks of All-Time
Player: Warrick Dunn
Position: RB
Ranking: 9th
Draft: 1st round, pick 12, 1997
Pro Bowls: 1997, 2000
Called "Pocket Barry" by some pundits as a smaller version of Lions Hall of Famer Barry Sanders, Warrick Dunn wouldn't duplicate the amazing numbers put up by Sanders. Still, the diminutive Dunn paved the wave for smaller running backs by proving he could carry the ball between the tackles and be an outstanding inside and outside runner. He was also a tremendous dual threat as a receiving.
Dunn is third all time on the Bucs' career rushing list, is currently fifth all time in receptions and is third in rushing attempts. He is also one of two Buccaneer running backs to have two 1,000 yard rushing seasons in a Bucs uniform. He had two of the top ten seasons in rushing in franchise history.
Leaving for Atlanta via free agency in 2002, Dunn would finish his impressive career with five 1,000 yard rushing seasons, 10,967 rushing yards, 49 rushing touchdowns, 510 receptions, 4,339 receiving yards and 15 receiving touchdowns.