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 | The 2003 Buccaneer draft review |  |
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The Buccaneers selected last in each round as befitting a SuperBowl champion. The first round pick was the next installment in the Jon Gruden trade. The 7th rounder went to Miami for Cornell Green but they gained an additional fourth rounder as a compensatory pick.
2 - DE - Dewayne White - Louisville - good pick
Spent four years in Tampa working primarily as a pass-rush specialist and the first player off the bench in the defensive line rotation. Always seemed better suited for that role than an every-down player. Moved on to the Lions in March 2007 in a big free agency deal.
3 - QB - Chris Simms - Texas - good pick
Spent the first season watching and then started two games in 2004 either side of Brian Griese's big season. Took over as the starter in October 2005 and led the Bucs to the playoffs before rupturing his spleen three games into 2006. Remains the Bucs' No.1 QB however.
4 - C - Austin King - Notre Dame - average pick
Made the team as a primary back-up to John Wade at center but was declared inactive in every game. Was then released in the final roster cutdown in September 2004. Did see some playing time with Atlanta in 2005.
4 - T - Lance Nimmo - West Virginia - wasted pick
Did not make the team out of training camp. Saw time in NFL Europe during the spring of 2004. Played all four years in college and started at left tackle for the Mountaineers as a senior.
5 - G - Sean Mahan - Northwestern - good pick
Made the team as a back-up at both guard positions and also became a key part of the kick protection squads following the early season problems. Became a starter during 2004 and played every game at right guard in 2005. Moved on to Pittsburgh in free agency in 2007 when the Bucs decided he was not part of their long-term line plans.
6 - CB - Torrie Cox - Pittsburgh - good pick
Was placed on injured reserve following a knee injury sustained during the 2003 pre-season and hence missed his entire first year in the NFL. Became one of the best kick returners in Buc history during 2004 and remains a top special teams' talent if not a very good cornerback.
7 - traded to the Miami Dolphins for T Cornell Green - good trade
A deal that was made just prior to the start of the 2002 season and one that was done to light a fire under starting tackle Kenyatta Walker. Green, who played briefly for the Claymores, started two games on arriving in Tampa but became a back-up thereafter. Not bad production from a seventh round pick though.
Summing up 2003
A pretty solid draft thanks now to the emergence of Chris Simms and Mahan also becoming a starter. The first round pick becomes part of the "we won a Super Bowl thanks to Jon Gruden" debate, but based on players alone, this draft is now above average.
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