2009 NFL Draft two years out: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

When we look back at the 2009 Tampa Bay Buccaneers draft class we have to remember that this was the first draft of a rebuilding effort, and that they traded away their second round pick for TE Kellen Winslow Jr. Overall this looks to be a pretty good class, but let us take a closer look.

A look at the 2009 Buccaneers draft class:

•Round One (17)- Josh Freeman QB
•Round Three (81)- Roy Miller DT
•Round Four (117)- Kyle Moore DE
•Round Five (155)- Xavier Fulton OT
•Round Seven (217)- EJ Biggers CB
•Round Seven (233)- Sammie Stroughter WR

So the Tampa Bay Buccaneers moved up two spots to get their guy in Freeman. So far that looks to be a decision that has paid off. They traded away a pick in Round Two to get Winslow and that decision has also seemed to work out. In the third round they took Roy Miller and he has been pretty solid as a starting DT for this team. Kyle Moore may have been a miss, while EJ Biggers has over come an injury in his rookie year to claim one of the starting CB spots. Sammie Stroughter has also worked himself in to the starting rotation at Wide Out.

Given all that we have to call this draft class an overwhelming success two years out. The Bucs have improved on the field and there is little doubt that this strong draft class, and another in 2010 are some of the reasons why.

Related Links:

• Tampa Bay Buccaneers news and notes
• Joshua Lobdell.com