The 2009 Buccaneer draft review
The Bucs swopped first round picks with Cleveland in
exchange for a 6th round pick. The 2nd round pick went
to Cleveland in return for TE Kellen Winslow. The
additional 7th round pick from Jacksonville came as part
of a 2008 draft day move up. The additional 7th round
pick came from Baltimore for DE Marques Douglas.
There were no compensatory picks. The Bucs picked 19th in the first round and then
18th, 17th and 20th henceforth.
DRAFT ANALYSIS - This draft will now be judged solely on Freeman's
disappearance as an NFL talent after looking so good for the first three years of his
career. The trade for Winslow was a sound one and the production was above what a
2nd round pick tight end might have brought. Roy Miller had four solid years starting and both Biggers and Stroughter contributed a lot more
than most 7th rounders. But when you are placing your eggs in the "franchise QB" basket and he is gone within five years, then a draft can
never be considered a success.
Josh Freeman
Roy MIller
Kyle Moore
EJ Biggers
1 - QB - Josh Freeman - Kansas State
His Buccaneer career came to a sudden and crashing end when released at the end of September 2013 following reports of missing team
meetings and poor performances in the opening three games of the year. Made his debut at mid-season in 2009 and missed only one start
until September 2013. Wound up out of the NFL within two further seasons.
2 - Traded to Cleveland for TE Kellen Winslow
Had three of the best receiving seasons by a Buccaneer tight end in franchise history but his blocking left something to be desired. For the
price paid, it was a worthwhile trade but by the end of his third season in Tampa, had worn out his welcome and was traded to Seattle in the
2012 off-season.
3 - DT - Roy Miller - Texas
Spent four seasons as the primary run-stuffer on the defensive line and did a good job from his third round draft status but without ever
posting moticable sack numbers. Also saw a few snaps as a blocking fullback in goal-line formations in 2009. Moved on as a free agent after
2012 to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars. Played four seasons with them and then part of the 2017 season with Kansas City before leaving
the NFL for good.
4 - DE - Kyle Moore - USC
Spent two seasons with the Buccaners and started his second season for seven games he played before going on Injured Reserve after the
Atlanta road game. Did not make the 2011 team out of training camp. Went on to play and start for the Buffalo Bills. Was a two-year starter
at USC with seven sacks over those two seasons for the PAC-10 team.
5 - T - Xavier Fulton - Illinois
Was injured in pre-season and hence missed the entire 2009 campaign. Did not make the 2010 team out of training camp.
7 - CB - EJ Biggers - Western Michigan
Probably was more suited to a nickel back than starter but over-achieved in each of the three seasons he was on the active roster. Was
allowed to leave as a free agent after the 2012 season and went to Washington playing in all 16 games with five starts in 2013.
7 - Traded to Pittsburgh for C Sean Mahan
Brought back for a second stint with the Bucs and started four games when Jeff Faine was out injured. This was more out of necessity than
ability however.
7 - WR - Sammie Stroughter - Oregon State
Hampered by injury for two straight seasons and played in just eight games in his final two years leading to his release after the 2012
season. Did take over as the primary kick returner during the second half of the 2011 season and his career average of 27.7 is the highest
qualifier in franchise history. Also had one of the four kick return touchdowns in franchise history.
Sammie Stroughter
Xavier Fulton
