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.
List: Top Ten Buccaneer Draft Picks of All-Time
Previous Selections:
10. Mark Carrier, WR, 3rd round, pick 1, 1987
9. Warrick Dunn, RB, 1st round, pick 12, 1997
8. James Wilder, RB, 2nd round, pick 6, 1981
Player: Mike Alstott
Position: FB
Ranking: 7th
Draft: 2nd round, pick 5, 1996
Pro Bowl: 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002
At first look, some would question the placing of Alstott ahead of James Wilder, a player who holds most of the Buccaneers rushing records. Alstott, though, transcended the position.
Among some of the most beloved Buccaneer players, the A-Train terrorized opponents for 12 amazing seasons. One of the most recognizable players in the greatest era of Buccaneer football, Alstott pounded his way to a team record 71 total touchdowns, 58 of those on the ground (also a team record).
Alstott ranks second in team history in rushing yards and attempts and is third all-time in receptions.
Bucs Radio play-by-play man Gene Deckerhoff's "ALSTOTT UP THE GUT!" became synonymous with a brand of football in the 2000's affectionately coined, Buc Ball.
Alstott's lack of use by Head coach Jon Gruden continues to be one of the angriest debates among the fan base and one of the major reasons why Gruden was disliked by many near the end of his tenure.
Alstott teamed with fellow member of the Top Ten, Warrick Dunn, for Tampa Bay's version of Thunder and Lightning.
He also holds the team record for Pro Bowls by an offensive player.