Tampa Bay Buccaneers 2007 Draft Preview
Football Betting Lines
04/04/2007 - (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - If he is still available at No. 4, there is no way the Buccaneers can pass up Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson. However, if another team trades up to snatch Johnson with one of the first three picks, it won't be the end of the world for Tampa Bay. The Buccaneers also need a pass rusher and run-stopping defensive tackle in a big way, and DE Gaines Adams (Clemson) and DT Alan Branch (Michigan) will both be available at No. 4. No matter what happens, look for at least three of Tampa's four first-day picks to come on the defensive side of the ball, where the Bucs have crossed the threshold from aging to aged. The offensive line has the potential to be OK following the signing of guard Matt Lehr (ex-Falcons) and tackle Luke Petitgout (ex-Giants), but Tampa remains in need of some depth in the trenches.
2006 Record: 4-12
First Pick: No. 4
Number of Selections: 9 (1, 2, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 7, 7)
RECENT FIRST ROUND HISTORY: 2006 - Davin Joseph (G, Oklahoma); 2005 - Cadillac Williams (RB, Auburn); 2004 - Michael Clayton (WR, Louisiana State); 2003 - none; 2002 - none; 2001 - Kenyatta Walker (OT, Florida); 2000 - none; 1999 - Anthony McFarland (DT, LSU); 1998 - none; 1997 - Warrick Dunn (RB, Florida State), Reidel Anthony (WR, Florida); 1996 - Regan Upshaw (DE, California), Marcus Jones (DE, North Carolina); 1995 - Warren Sapp (DT, Miami), Derrick Brooks (LB, Florida State); 1994 - Trent Dilfer (QB, Fresno State); 1993 - Eric Curry (DE, Alabama); 1992 - none; 1991 - Charles McRae (OT, Tennessee); 1990 - Keith McCants (DE, Alabama).
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Niners are in major need of a No. 1 receiver after releasing Antonio Bryant, and might have to look long and hard at multi- talented Ohio State standout Ted Ginn, Jr. There are also secondary needs, though the signings of
<< Green Bay Packers 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - With Ahman Green now a Houston Texan, the Packers have a
hole at running back that the franchise has not experienced heading into a
season since the pre-Edgar Bennett days. Head coach Mike McCarthy says he's
comfortable with
<< Atlanta Falcons 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Falcons have multiple needs on defense, and with the
No. 8 overall pick (obtained in the Matt Schaub trade) could justify selecting
any of the following players - safeties LaRon Landry (LSU) and Reggie Nelson
(Florida), t
<< Arizona Cardinals 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Arizona has long featured one of the weakest lines in the
league, and with disappointing-yet-serviceable tackle Leonard Davis now a
Cowboy, the Cardinals could be setting their sights on a player like Penn
State's Levi Brown
<< Chicago Bears 2007 Draft Preview
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Bears front seven was pushed around a fair amount in
the latter stages of the 2007 season, so Chicago GM Jerry Angelo and head
coach Lovie Smith are likely to focus on that area on the first day of the
draft. A replacemen
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Outside linebacker and defensive tackle were two of the Eagles' biggest need areas entering the offseason, but a trade for ex-Bill Takeo Spikes and the acquisition of former Colt Montae Reagor helped offset those respective r
D-Backs, Rockies play rubber match at Coors >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - A pair of pitchers will make debuts with their new clubs
this afternoon when the Arizona Diamondbacks and Colorado Rockies conclude
their three-game series at Coors Field.
Left-hander Doug Davis was acquired by Arizona in
Carolina Panthers 2007 Draft Preview >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Panthers had glaring weaknesses at linebacker and on
the offensive line last year, and though both positions should be healthier in
2007, upgrades are also needed. With top tackler Chris Draft now a member of
the Rams and
New Orleans Saints 2007 Draft Preview >>
(Sportsbook Betting Lines) - The Saints defense was held together with duct tape last
season, and the New Orleans brass wasn't delusional enough to believe the team
could get by under similar circumstances in 2007. Head coach Sean Payton has
spoken publi
Pettitte's return to the Bronx rained out >>
Bronx, NY (Sportsbook Betting Lines) - Andy Pettitte's much anticipated return to the
Bronx will have to wait as Wednesday's game between the New York Yankees and
Tampa Bay Devil Rays at Yankee Stadium has been postponed due to rain.
No makeup da
Marlins could start season without No. 2 starter Johnson
JUPITER, Fla. -- The Foorida Marlins are preparing for the likelihood that right-hander
Josh Johnson won't be ready when the season starts April 2.
Grapefruit League action starts Wednesday, but Johnson, penciled in as the No. 2 starter, hasn't even thrown off a mound at full speed since September. He's experienced some soreness in his right forearm.
MySportsbook.com have the Marlins listed with baseball betting lines at +800 to win the NL East this season .
''You guys know the math. If he's not on the hill then he becomes an opening day roster issue,'' manager Fredi Gonzalez said Saturday. ''We're borderline now.''
Johnson, who finished 12-7 with a 3.10 ERA in 2007, was supposed to throw on flat ground Saturday. That was canceled when he woke up with pain.
He played catch on Wednesday with no pain but felt discomfort in a throwing session on Thursday. He's expected to try again Sunday.
''Like we always said from the very beginning, we're going to take it easy on him,'' Gonzalez said. ''He didn't feel right, so we shut him down. We're going to take it back to step one and see where we're at.''
Among the candidates to take Johnson's spot in the rotation are left-hander Chris George and right-handers Yusmeiro Petit and Jose Garcia.
Right-hander Sergio Mitre, who missed most of last season with arm and shoulder problems, also is behind.
With Johnson's status doubtful, Gonzalez said right-hander Ricky Nolasco will stay in the rotation and no longer will be considered a candidate for closer.
Additional basbeall odds can be found at: www.MySportsbook.com
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