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 | The 2004 Buccaneer draft review |  |
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The Bucs drafted alternately 16-15-14 through the draft. The 2nd round pick went to Oakland as the final installment on the Jon Gruden trade. The Bucs swopped 7th round picks with Dallas as part of the Darian Barnes trade. The final 7th round pick was a compensatory one.
1 - WR - Michael Clayton - Louisiana State
Had one of the finest rookie seasons of any player in Buc history and had Ben Roethlisberger not been around, would have won the NFL Rookie of the Year Award for his marvellous year. But will the real Michael Clayton please stand up? The past two disappointing seasons are making us forget the first one.
3 - LB - Marquis Cooper - Washington - poor pick
Played in nearly every game in his first two seasons but only on special teams and was then waived in training camp 2006.
4 - S - Will Allen - Ohio State - good pick
Played in all 16 games as a rookie primarily on special teams but saw more extensive defensive backfield action late in the season and recorded his first pro interception. Became the starter at free safety in 2005 and has remained there ever since albeit not playing at a great level.
5 - G - Jeb Terry - North Carolina - OK pick
Saw limited action on special teams and a little action late in his rookie year on the offensive line. Was strictly a back-up during 2005 and 2006.
6 - TE -Nate Lawrie - Yale - OK pick
Did not make the 2004 team out of training camp but was re-signed to the practice squad and then promoted to the full roster for the final two weeks of the season. Had another five-game spell with the Bucs during 2005 before being released again.
7 - WR - Mark Jones - Tennessee - OK pick
Did not make the 2004 team out of training camp but played 2004 with the Giants and returned to Tampa for 2005 to become the team's primary punt returner. Was released and re-signed during 2006 but remains nothing more than a punt returner for the Bucs.
7 - FB - Casey Cramer - Dartmouth - wasted pick
Did not make the 2004 team out of training camp. Wound up playing with the Carolina Panthers during his rookie season.
7 - WR - Lenny Williams - Southern - wasted pick
Did not make the 2004 team out of training camp. Had been a four-year starter in college and was named the 2004 SWAC Defensive Player of the Year. Did not surrender a touchdown in coverage in his final two seasons in college.
Summing up 2004
Clayton was a good selection although the jury is out after his 2005/6 seasons. But Allen and Jones were useful selections for the team and of course, the pick for Jon Gruden was a worthwhile one too.
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